University of Mobile Softball Headed Back to NAIA World Series

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The University of Mobile softball team is headed back to the biggest stage in NAIA softball.

The Rams punched their ticket to the NAIA Softball World Series after defeating Eastern Oregon University for the second time in two days to win the Opening Round Championship Friday at UM Softball Field in Mobile.

It marks the program’s first trip back to the World Series since 2022, when the Rams made a run all the way to the national championship game before finishing as national runners-up to Oklahoma City University.

Friday’s championship-clinching victory did not come easy.

Eastern Oregon struck first with a solo home run in the opening inning to take an early 1-0 lead, but Mobile responded immediately in the bottom half of the inning. Kaitlynn Robertson and Lillie Lanham each delivered RBI singles to give the Rams a 2-1 advantage.

The Mountaineers answered again in the third inning with another home run and three runs total to reclaim a 4-2 lead, putting the pressure back on the Rams.

That’s when Mobile delivered its biggest response of the game.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, Robertson ripped a double down the right field line to score Daryelin Rivas and Diana Arcay, tying the game. Moments later, Gracie Mitchell drove in the go-ahead run to put the Rams back in front for good.

From there, Mobile’s defense and relief pitcher Katelynn Kempton shut the door.

The Rams kept Eastern Oregon scoreless the rest of the way before erupting into celebration after recording the final out in the seventh inning, officially securing a spot in Columbus, Georgia for the NAIA Softball World Series.

Mobile enters the national tournament as the No. 4 seed and one of only four No. 1 seeds to advance through Opening Round play.

The Rams will open World Series play Thursday, May 21 against No. 5 seed Our Lady of the Lake University at 12 p.m. CT in Columbus, Georgia.